"You ready, baby?" I call out and adjust my tie.

I double-check my appearance in the mirror. My suit is tailored to fit my body like a second skin without looking overly-douchey and I got to admit, it's making me feel pretty badass. Delilah made my hair for me and she insisted that gelling one lone strand down over my forehead makes me look sexy. What the hell do I know? If my girl likes it, then that's what I roll with. I spritz some cologne on and make sure my laces are tied and I'm officially good to go.

"Ready." I hear and turn around.

"Jesus." I suck in a breath when I get a good look at Delilah. She's in red and looks like a fucking dream come true. Her dress is a long gown, sleeveless, and clings to her waist before flaring out. Her hair is twisted into a styled bun with a few loose strands that frame her face. Her makeup is bolder than usual but it's those fucking red lips that I can't take my eyes away from. I want to kiss the shit out of her and never stop. All I can do is shake my head and gape, trying to understand how someone can be so goddamn beautiful. "You look stunning, Angel. I'm going to be the luckiest fucking guy there."

"I don't know about that." She laughs a little self-consciously, running her hands down the material of her gown before peaking up at me from underneath her lashes. "It's not too much?"

"It's perfect. You're perfect." I insist and walk over to her, gripping her hips and pulling her against me. I hum low in my throat and bend my head to brush my nose against hers. "The things I would do to you right now if we had the time."

A hazy look passes over her eyes and I know she's thinking about all the sex we've been having this past week. I can't seem to satisfy my desire for her, always wanting more. Ever since that first time all my restraint snapped. I couldn't believe how fucking good it felt to be inside of her. I can't even remember any of my past sexual encounters because they don't hold a candle to what Del and I have. The chemistry between us is fucking explosive as hell and I feel like a goddamn animal that wants to mark my territory. Tonight, when I walk across the red carpet for The Humanitarian Awards with Del on my arm, I plan to stake my claim on her then and there. The entire industry will know she's mine and I may sound like a douchebag for this but I can't wait to gloat and show her off. She really has no idea how incredible she is.

"I'm kind of nervous." She tells me and rests her arms loosely on my shoulders. "All those cameras flashing and the hundreds of people. Not to mention leaving Zack on his own for the night."

"He won't be on his own." I remind her, kissing her forehead. "Your mom is watching him. He's going to be fine. You know what a good kid he is."

"I know. I'm just going to miss him."

"Yeah, me too. I've gotten so used to the little guy sleeping between us it's going to be weird going to bed without him at the hotel later tonight."

"We're going to leave for home right after breakfast, right?"

"Yeah. But until then," I move my mouth towards her eyes and lower my voice to a whisper. "I'm going to fuck you all night, in every position I can think of, and make you come so many times you won't be able to catch your breath."

"Definitely no complaints about that." She whispers back and I nip her earlobe teasingly. Already I can feel my body buzzing in anticipation for getting Del to myself for an entire night. We can be as loud as we want and as rough as we want and I plan on making the most of our time alone. Fuck, I can't get enough of her.

"You two about ready?" Greta asks and walks inside the bedroom with Zack on her hip. Delilah blushes and I try not to smirk as I watch her struggle to regain her composure.

"Yup." She says a little too brightly and Greta raises her brow like she's not buying it for a second. I love that woman. "You have everything? I pumped enough milk that it should last for tonight and tomorrow morning, his pacifier is right there on the dressing table in case he gets fussy, and make sure you give him his giraffe plushie when it's his bedtime because he can't sleep without him."

"Honey, relax." Greta laughs and Del sucks in a breath after her little ramble. "I know what I'm doing here. I raised you, didn't I? Look at how well you turned out."

"I know, Ma." She sighs. She lifts up her gown and walks over to them, taking Zack in her arms. Zack immediately snuggles into her and Del closes her eyes as she begins rocking then. "Be good for grandma, Sweetness. I'm going to miss you."

He babbles something incoherent back and Del takes a deep breath, blinking back tears.

"Aw, baby." I go to her so I can hug her from behind, one of me arms wrapped around her torso and the other hand resting on Zack's back. "You sure you'll be okay to come with me tonight? If it's really bugging you, we can just skip out."

"No way." She shakes her head, sniffling. "You were nominated for an incredible cause, Nate. You should be proud of yourself and I want to be there to support you. I just need a minute and I'll be fine."

"Whatever you're good with." I remind her anyways.

Zack makes a noise and reaches his arms out to me, leaning his body toward me. I take him from Del's hands and hold him against my shoulder, kissing his cheek rapidly and pretending to gobble him while he falls into a fit of giggles. I lift him above my head and blow a raspberry on his tummy and he squeals, tugging at my hair.

"Woah, woah, your Mama worked hard on that. I got to look my sharpest for tonight, dude." I tell him solemnly as I lower him so he's eye-level and he nods seriously. I burst out laughing at the thought that he can understand me right now. "Be good, little man. We can't wait to see you in the morning."

I pucker my lips out and he leans his head forward, kissing them. It's nothing more than him slobbering his drooling little mouth over mine but I take it, grinning at him for returning the gesture.

"Here you are." I transfer him to Greta who smiles warmly at me. I kiss his little nose one final time, feeling a little choked up myself as I rasp, "Love you, little man."

Del means around me and kisses his cheek. "I love you, Sweetness. See you soon."

"Don't forget to send me pictures." Greta reminds us as she follows us to the living room. She hands Del her clutch and grabs a handful of tissues from the coffee table nearby, dabbing them underneath Del's eyes gingerly. Del takes the remainder and stuffs them in her clutch. "Try not to bother the hotel guests with your...festivities."

"Really, Mom?" Del groans and I cough behind my fist when Greta winks at me. "Hold up. Did you put condoms in my clutch?"

"What?" She shrugs. "Protection first."

Del rifles through her clutch with a flaming face. "How many are in here? Jesus."

"May as well get it out of your system. Zack's getting older now so you two better figure out an alternative from sleeping together while he's in the room with you. You'll scar him for life at this rate.

Delilah gapes. "How did you even...you know what? Never mind. Thank you for your generosity but we will be going, now."

"You did me a solid with the condoms, Greta." I waggle my brows and ignore Delilah's death glare. "I'll take good care of your girl. Don't worry too much, okay?"

"Never if she's with you." Greta leans up on her toes to kiss my cheek. "And I'm very proud of you. Zack and I will be rooting for you to win."

"Thank you." I tell her and grab Del's hand. "See you in the morning."

And then we're off.

***

"Over here, Nate!"

"Look at this camera!"

"Turn to the other side!"

I keep my smile in place as I look at all the different cameras that are flashing in my direction, not staring at any of them for too long for fear of going blind.

"You doing okay, Angel?" I glance down at her.

"Freaking out." She says through a stiff smile and I chuckle, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

That causes a chorus of "aw's" from the photographers and hands wildly wave at us to get closer together. I hook my arm around Del's waist and rub my fingers on her hip reassuringly. She places her hand on my chest and angles her body to the side as the flashes continue coming.

"Can we get your name, Miss?" One photographer asks.

"Delilah Stevens." She answers, raising her voice as high it can go.

"Is this your date of the night, Mr. Hunter?" Another photographer asks as he clicks a picture, looking down at it with obvious approval.

"This is my date for every night. She's my girlfriend." I confirm and a commotion of surprise breaks out. A dozen and one questions are thrown our way but I continue to lead Delilah down the red carpet.

"That's all they get for tonight. Don't answer any more questions, okay?"

"Got it." She nods.

I kiss her cheek and walk backwards, grinning. "Get some solo shots, baby. You're the prettiest woman here."

"Nate." She hisses under her breath but I happily ignore her, lifting my arm and pointing it in her direction.

"How gorgeous is she?" I yell to the photographers and they all aim their cameras at her, clicking away. Del fumbles for a moment but regains her composure, setting one hand on her hip and smiling for them. I bring my fingers up to my mouth and blow a whistle. "Hot damn, baby!"

The photographers and reporters all break into laughter as I tug at my tie, mouthing, "Is it hot in here?"

Delilah shakes her head at me and covers her face with one hand, laughing behind it.

"Over here, Delilah! Give us that beautiful smile!"

"Turn your back to us and look over your shoulder!"

Del follows their instructions and she's a little unsure at first but gradually becomes more comfortable, her poses more natural and her smile more genuine. I watch her with pride, ignoring the shouts for more pictures of me. I'm too busy admiring my woman.

We move on and I speak to a few reporters about my projects in the past year including opening up more Aria locations and upgrading the ones that already exist. I thank everyone on Aria's behalf and tell them she couldn't make it due to her load of work. She would have came but she insisted on getting through her cases instead so she can be ready for the move by the end of the year. I didn't bother arguing with her on that. I'd rather have her in Boston for good than just attending one night.

Eventually we make it inside the hall and I lead Delilah to our reserved seats at one of the tables. As soon as we sit down, she turns to gawk at me.

"That was insane. I feel like I'm at the Golden Globes or something. What if I blinked in all of my pictures? What if everyone can tell how uncomfortable I was?"

"Del, relax." I laugh and put my hands on her shoulders. I instruct her to take a few breaths and she does, visibly losing her edge. "You did an amazing job. You should have seen how incredible you were out there. Stop worrying."

"Thank you." She cranes her neck to peck my lips. "I can't even blame all these women for staring at you. You look so sexy."

"What women?" I ask in genuine confusion. I have no concept of the people around me except her.

"Ha. You're cute." She kisses me again. "I do feel kind of prickly with jealousy, though. One woman on the red carpet was salivating over your ass and I almost grabbed it to be petty."

"You should have." I tell her seriously and she giggles. "I very much welcome your jealousy. It's hot as fuck."

"Only you would think so." She rolls her eyes with a smile.

"You doing good so far?"

"I'm actually having fun. Thank you for bringing me."

"Couldn't do this without you." I capture one of the loose strands of her hair and tug it.

She cups my cheek sweetly, brushing her thumb across my lips. "I love you."

"I love you, Angel."

When she leans forward to kiss me, I don't let her pull away this time. I cup the back of her head and take my time with the kiss instead, savouring every bit of it. She pulls away a few moments later, laughing softly as she wipes her thumb across my lips.

"You got a bit of red on you." She explains.

"This is you marking your territory isn't it? I like it."

"You're so full of it." She slaps my chest and I grin, capturing it and raising it to my mouth so I can brush my lips across her knuckles.

"I'm ready for this to be over." I admit. "I just want to get to our hotel room and then get you naked."

Her breath hitches and her eyes dart nervously around us. When she meets my gaze again, she stares back at me intently. "I want that, too."

"Let's ditch." I suggest, mostly serious.

She slaps my chest again. "What if you win the award, huh?"

"Fuck the award. You're the one that makes me feel like a winner."

Her eyes soften and her hand squeezes mine. "I'm trying to be the sensible one here so I'm going to need you to stop being so sweet. I'm not strong enough for that."

"Fine." I relent and smirk at her. "But you better not be expecting to get any sleep tonight."

"Wouldn't dream of it." She winks and we turn in our seats just as the MC comes on to the stage.

He spends the next few minutes talking about what this event represents and all the charities the money we raise will be going towards. He introduces the bidders of the night who stand one by one as we clap for them. Then he moves on to talk about all the nominees, who we are as people and how we're contributing to the business industry. When it's time for the winner to be announced, Del squeezes my hand tightly. I can't help but smile at how badly she wants this for me. I meant it when I said I really don't care about winning. As far as I'm concerned, I have everything I could possibly need. Simply put, I'm happy. I don't need anything else.

"And the Humanitarian Award of 2019 goes to..."

The MC opens up the envelope and reads the name. He smiles and speaks into the mic.

"Nate Hunter for his contribution to the stripper industry!"

What the fuck?

I blink, genuinely shocked at hearing my name. Beside me I hear Delilah squeal and clap her hands wildly. A bright spotlight shines on me and I blink against the sudden intrusion, my eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room and all of the people on their feet clapping. For me.

"Baby, go!" Del urges, pushing lightly at my arm.

I snap out of my trance and slowly get to my feet and the applause gets louder. A few whistles and hoots ring out and I nervously straighten my tie. Fuck, I didn't even prepare a speech.

Before I leave my seat, I bend down and cup Delilah's face to kiss her. She kisses me back and laughs against my mouth and the loud "aw" we get from the crowd.

I pull away and walk over to the stage, shaking hands with those who offer them to me as I make my way there. I thank the MC and take the award from him. It's a large model of a person holding up a globe above his head. On the front of the award my name is engraved and it feels surreal to know this is mine. When I turn toward the mic, I can feel the first of my nerves hit me.

"I'm going to be honest with you guys." I start, my loud voice carrying across the hall as the room quiets down. "I have no idea what to say right now because I was that convinced I wouldn't win."

Laughter greets me and my eyes seek out Del. She smiles when our gazes clash, blowing me a kiss. Instantly I feel more at ease and force myself to relax and not pay attention to the camera recording my speech. I take a moment to gather the whirlwind of thoughts in my mind and blurt out everything I have to say.

"When I first created Aria, I didn't know shit about what I was doing. I had an idea and passion for it and I acted impulsively based on that alone. To everyone around me, I'd lost my mind. What the hell does a college student know about running a night club? Who did I think I was to glorify the concept of stripping? Did I really think I could protect all of those women? I was a kid when this journey began but I'm proud of myself for going through with it anyways. We all want to see change in the world but we sit on our asses and demand it happen instead of making it happen. Thankfully, my parents were supportive of me through it all and with their guidance and a shit ton of bank loans, I somehow turned my idea into something tangible. Something real. Something that matters."

I swallow back the tightness in my throat as I say my next words.

"Everything that Aria has amounted to is nothing short of amazing but I don't want us to lose sight of what it stands for. My world was ripped from underneath my feet the day I learned my sister was being physically abused. You never think something so horrible can happen to the people you love until it does. You never think you won't be able to protect the people that matter to you until you can't. You never think that the ugliest parts of life will find their way to you until it happens. I can't even begin to describe the sheer pride I have for my sister for overcoming the things she did. I know it wasn't easy asking her to speak out and share her story when the pathetic excuse of a justice system we have fails to defend the women in our society. I'm proud of her for turning her situation around for the better and becoming a domestic abuse lawyer to help women fight back. I urge you to please be good to the women in your life. To the people in your life. You never know what someone is going through or what kind of battles they're fighting. It's our job as humans beings to protect one another and we are failing miserably. There is still so much change in the world that needs to be made so don't stop striving for it. It is your responsibility to give back and I hope you'll all remember this."

"I want to thank my parents for being the best people I know and setting such an amazing example for me to follow as I grew up. I want to thank my sisters for always keeping me on my toes and teaching me everyday how to be a better man. I want to thank my girlfriend, Delilah, who you've all had the pleasure of meeting today. Even though I met her much later than when I started my journey with Aria, I'm still learning so much from her. Every day she teaches me to be kind and good no matter how dark your circumstances are. She's had a really difficult year and went through things I can't even begin to fathom and still she has one of the purest hearts I know of. Her strength inspires me and I want to be the kind of man that deserves all her goodness. I'm still working on becoming that man and I hope I can achieve it in this lifetime. Thank you for changing my life the way you did, baby. Thank you for loving me the way you do and thank you for giving me the honour of being your little boy's Dad. I'm standing tall and proud today for the both of you. I love you two so much."

Thunderous applause greets me as I bound off the stage but it's white noise to me. I don't care about anything except getting to my girl and holding her in my arms. When I finally reach her, tears are streaming down her face and she throws her arms around my neck tightly. I lift her up and hug her back as cheers and whistles go off in the background.

"I love you." She cries into my ear. "Zack and I love you so much. That was beautiful."